Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona and Berlin. Most of Europe’s top tourist spots are home to one or more elite football teams. While these cities are beautiful enough to visit on their own merit, heading there as part of a footballing away day makes it that little bit more special.
In this explorative guide, we’re going to assess everything you need to know about these trips; from the general cost of travel, food and admission, facts and stats about foreign clubs and their stadiums, to testimonies from fans who’ve previously made the trips.
Whether it’s as part of a dedicated away day to see your favourite team take on European elites, or as a nice addition to an existing holiday, let’s run through ten of the best footballing colosseums to enjoy a Champions League, Europa League and, yes, even a Conference League match.
Europe’s 10 best away days
While a good game of football can transform even the most meagre of venues into a delirious cauldron of emotion, die-hard fans will testify that you can’t always rely on that being the case. On those tight, tense European nights, your feast of football might be a few scraps, rather than a full-blown banquet.
That’s why you’ll want to make sure you visit a stadium where the football becomes – dare we say – something of a side note in a grander adventure. In no particular order, here are the ten best arenas to add to your away day bucket list.
The Nou Camp – FC Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Things to do in the city:
La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum, Barcelona Zoo, Park Güell, a day trip to Montserrat
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£50-£100
Accommodation cost:
£60-£160 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£40-£200
Stadium capacity:
99,354
Standout feature:
The largest stadium in Europe
Ask anyone to name a famous European giant, and they’ll likely throw FC Barcelona into the mix. It’s little wonder the Catalonian outfit are globally recognised as one of the elite names in football. With 26 league titles, 31 Copa del Reys and a total of 22 continental titles (including five Champions Leagues), Barca have established themselves as a powerhouse of the sport.
That status is cemented by the staggering maximum capacity of their stadium – which is just a few hundred entrants shy of the six-figure mark. Those numbers translate to an atmosphere which is unrivalled by any other ground in Europe, no matter who’s in town to play los Blaugrana.
And while stars like Andres Iniesta, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi may have moved on, visitors to the Nou Camp are still privy to world class talent from top to bottom. Former midfield dynamo Xavi now manages the club, with recent signing, and former European Golden Shoe winner, Robert Lewandowski still smashing in goals for fun.
What the fans say:
“Fantastic stadium. This was brilliant to visit. We decided to buy tickets for the match and came back that evening. Used the metro, got an access point, gate and seat so easily. We were in the front row, so had loads of room plus an amazing view of the ground and game. If you get a chance to go, I'd definitely recommend it.” - SM, Plymouth
“Went and watched a Barcelona match, the atmosphere was terrific. The passion for the game comes alive. Even if you are not a football fan, if there is a Barcelona match please try and visit for the atmosphere.” – Neha, London
What an amazing atmosphere at the Nou Camp for the El Clasico. Great first half, perfectly poised at 1-1. Only the second goal #Barca have let in at home in the league all season.#barrea #football #groundhopping pic.twitter.com/EKoFGRZB4S
— thegroundhog (@whistlepig7) March 19, 2023
Johan Cruyff Arena – Ajax
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Things to do in the city:
The Nine Streets, Anne Frank Museum, Foodhallen, Van Gogh Museum, Albert Cuyp Markt, a canal tour, Flevopark, Artis Zoo
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£80-£150
Accommodation cost:
£60-£120 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£15-£100
Stadium capacity:
55,885
Standout feature:
Smart features such as guidance to seat, traffic updates, and video
The Dutch have always been at the forefront of innovation and evolution in the world game. It’s perhaps no surprise that a stadium named after the father of Total Football continues that legacy. Just as Johan Cruyff pioneered a brand of play which would change how we see football forever, Ajax are leading the way in smart stadium technology.
An interactive app connects visitors directly to their seat – giving them easy-to-follow directions from turnstile to stand. You can also check traffic reports before arriving and while you're inside the stadium, while watching instant replays on the seat in front of you.
But don’t let the flashy tech fool you. Bells and whistles are one thing, but the atmosphere of this compact cauldron in Amsterdam lends itself to one of the best European nights you can experience. The club themselves have a storied and iconic history. Years of success on the domestic and international stage have cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase, who are always ready and willing to give their all for de Godenzonen.
What the fans say:
“The stadium is amazing with incredible acoustics. I definitely recommend watching a game there. The atmosphere is great. Really easy to access by train. At every gate you can buy food or something to drink.” – Tasos K, Norway
“We attended an Ajax home game while in Amsterdam. This is a great team to watch, with great fans and a beautiful arena. As an American, this is everything you could imagine in a great European soccer game. We sat in 124 and had a great view of the game as well as being close enough to see and hear the fans, but far enough to feel safe with my pregnant wife.” – Thommy B, Grand Rapids
Johan cruyff arena is one of the best stadiums I’ve been inside. Boss atmosphere all round and they play some magical football https://t.co/dSMcveAYRf
— Heskki (@JackHesketh3) October 20, 2021
Diego Armando Maradona Stadium – Napoli
Naples, Italy
Things to do in the city:
Visit Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and Amalfi Coast, Herculaneum, Ovo Castle, tour of Sorrento, Catacombs of San Gennaro, San Carlo Theatre
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£60-£100
Accommodation cost:
£30-£90 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£40-£120
Stadium capacity:
54,726
Standout feature:
The playground of Maradona
Despite what some might choose to believe, a deep, complex and near-spiritual culture strongly connects the footballing world, regardless of who you support. For a lot of fans, some things are borderline sacred. One such phenomenon, now firmly rooted in the upper echelons of the footballing pantheon, is the spellbinding connection between Diego Maradona and S.S.C. Napoli.
The Argentinian – a bonafide forerunner to Messi – is often cited as a cautionary tale of the dangers of superstardom. But it’s this very other-worldly nature which makes a visit to the stadium which now bears his name so worthwhile.
Tax evasion, purported illegitimate children, and even connections to crime syndicates plagued his time in Napoli. Yet, despite all that, the people of Naples embraced him as a son. The fans saw a man who bled sky blue, and left everything he had on the hallowed turf, every time he took to the pitch.
While the stadium itself is sometimes accused of falling behind the times, it’s this connection to a forgotten era of European football – ironically defined by a South American – which makes a game in Napoli an absolute must for anyone travelling away from home. This taste of authenticity is hard to replicate in modern grounds, and won’t be around forever.
What the fans say:
“If you want to see what loyalty and support to a local football team is all about, come and witness a Serie A match here in Stadio San Paolo. Home ground to the Napoli football team, the fans here are so passionate about football and how the chanting and song sung by the supporters are just out of this world.” – Danny, Petaling
“Saw Napoli beat Ajax 4-2 in the Champions League. Great atmosphere and an easy experience. The ground is extremely easy to get to from the centre of Naples; just take line 2 on the Metro and get off at Campi Flegrei (just follow the crowds). The ground is literally 5 minutes away. Getting to your seat is also extremely easy. Once in your seat soak up the atmosphere and enjoy! The noise is incredible.” – GP, North Wales
Diego Maradona’s presentation at Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo on 5 July 1984. He was welcomed by 75,000 fans after his transfer from Barcelona for a world record fee at the time of £6.9 million. pic.twitter.com/6PYc9DWF19
— The Retro Kits (@TheRetroKits) March 25, 2023
Estadio Jose Alvalade – Sporting Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Things to do in the city:
Mercado da Ribeira, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Castelo de S. Jorge, Praça do Comércio, Alfama fado music
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£110-£180
Accommodation cost:
£30-£100 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£25-£90
Stadium capacity:
50,095
Standout feature:
Acoustic engineering amplifies atmosphere
In recent years, Sporting have gotten the somewhat unfair reputation of being best known for the part they played in the development of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. And though it may be true that CR7’s presence at the club is an important part of their modern history, it’s far from the only reason to visit Sporting Clube de Portugal.
As 19-time domestic champions, and former winners of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the Lions have plenty to shout about in their own right. What makes a visit to their groundbreaking Estádio José Alvalade so worthwhile, is the innovative design choices – which heighten the atmosphere of the stadium.
What the fans say:
“Amazing atmosphere at the game, club shop is great and staff are friendly and helpful! The stadium has a great vibe, not rough/pushing like football games in England. Don’t serve alcohol which we didn’t realise but on reflection that is perfectly fine and better to be honest.” – Sky, Essex
“Went to see the Sporting Lisboa v Borussia Dortmund game. Excellent atmosphere, the entire stadium was electric. The Sporting fans are very passionate and friendly, delighted to see foreign supporters get involved and cheer on their team” – Ivor, Longford
Great atmosphere at the Estadio Jose Alvalade as Sporting Lisbon hammer Vitoria Setubal pic.twitter.com/b212B1GpkD
— Eoin Ryan (@eoinryan101) May 7, 2016
Le Parc des Princes – Paris St-Germain
Paris, France
Things to do in the city:
Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Palais Garnier, Musée d'Orsay, The Centre Pompidou, Catacombs of Paris
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£60-£120
Accommodation cost:
£35-£120 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£65-£300
Stadium capacity:
48,583
Standout feature:
Stars from all corners of the globe
Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. If that list of names alone isn’t enough to convince you to enjoy a PSG game at the Parc des Princes, nothing will. Whether you agree with the manner in which the club have monopolised Ligue 1 or not, it’s hard to argue that they’re a side worth going to see.
While the all-important Champions League title currently still eludes them, eight league titles in the last ten seasons have cemented the Parisians as the new elite force of French football – having played second fiddle to Olympique Lyonnais throughout most of the early part of the century.
What the fans say:
“Amazing Experience! Took My 11 year old son who is an avid fan of PSG on this tour on a recent trip to Paris and it quickly became one of the highlights of the entire 3 week, 5 country European trip.” – Vlad
“A really fun experience. Enjoyed seeing the fans go crazy and being a part of the action. Metro ride was easy. Security was great. Everyone was nice.” – Brown, Springboro
Incredible reception of Messi at Le Parc des Princes 😎😎🤩🤩
— NFT Zcode System (@zcodesystempick) August 14, 2021
.
.
.
Like & share 💥👌🏻
.
.
.#incredible #amazing #reception #leparcdesprinces #psg #parisstgermain #lionelmessi30 #messipsg #messi #zcode #zcodesystem pic.twitter.com/KD2MvKqSRW
Vodafone Arena – Besiktas
Istanbul, Turkey
Things to do in the city:
The Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Gülhane Park, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Miniaturk
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£100-£250
Accommodation cost:
£25-£85 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£30-£85
Stadium capacity:
42,590
Standout feature:
High-speed Wi-Fi everywhere in the ground
While perhaps the least imaginatively named ground on the list, don’t let that take anything away from the pulsating atmosphere which is synonymous with Besiktas’ home matches. The Black Eagles’ fans are widely regarded as the most passionate in Turkey – which is saying something straight off the bat.
The geographic placement of Istanbul as the connecting point between Europe and Asia makes for one of the most diverse and unique fanbases not only in UEFA, but world football.
The club have won the Turkish Süper Lig as many as 16 times since its inception in 1959, while also picking up 10 Turkish Cups in the process. European glory may have evaded them to this point, but hopes are high that a Europa or Conference League crown could be on the horizon.
What the fans say:
“I visited the stadium because of the super cup. The stadium was one of the best in istanbul. It was in a convenient location near Tabata, 5-10 mins walk fr taksim or besiktas, opposite to the palace. the stadium inside was packed, and thus fans could share their opinions with others closely and freely.” – CJ
“Once inside the stadium is impressive and I have never heard that volume of noise inside an English or Scottish stadium. The fans were loud for the full 90 mins (and 30 mins before kick off) but despite the passion on show it did not feel threatening.” – Grant, Turnberry
Beşiktaş Vodafone Arena Stadı'nda Fenerbahçe Deplasman Tribünü pic.twitter.com/0ZxlEvctrv
— 𝗢𝗿𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗮 (@orta_sahada) February 9, 2017
Signal Iduna Park – Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund, Germany
Things to do in the city:
German Football Museum, Westfalenpark, Dortmund Zoo, DASA Working World Exhibition, The Glowing Rooms, Brewery Museum
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£50-£250* (*Flights tend to be more expensive to Dortmund, as there’s no direct route)
Accommodation cost:
£30-£100 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£30-£90
Stadium capacity:
81,365
Standout feature:
The Yellow Wall
If you asked football fans who their “European team” was at the beginning of the 2010s, a lot of them would have told you it was Borussia Dortmund. The black-and-yellow clad warriors are somewhat iconic in their own right, but the football they played under Jurgen Klopp – with stars like Lewandowski, Marco Reus, Mario Goetze, Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels, Shinji Kagawa, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos – won them a lot of fans.
The bulk of that team made the Champions League final in 2013. And though things haven’t been quite as good ever since, future legends like Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Jude Bellingham have all plied their trade at BVB.
Beyond the players themselves, Signal Iduna Park is one of the most must-see sites in UEFA. The tenth largest stadium in the world, it plays host to a whopping 81,365 fans. The famous “Yellow Wall” is unmatched by any other spectacle in Europe. Nearly 25,000 Dortmund fans pack the South Bank, holding up coloured placards that are all part of a bigger image.
What the fans say:
“Myself and 4 friends attended the BVB v Stuttgart match, we stayed in Koln and travelled to Dortmund by train, lots of friendly BVB and Stuttgart fans on the train. Entered very early and had a few more beers with some BVB fans before taking our seats, fantastic atmosphere, helped by Dortmund winning 5-0, the Yellow Wall was in full voice while everyone around us were great craic.” – Premier Man, County Tipperary
“Our first trip here I was apprehensive as an English speaking person. I was afraid we would not be able to find our way around but the staff are so helpful the experience is amazing. From the moment we stepped off the train the atmosphere was electric. Everything about this place is organised so efficiently.” – Travels for Fun
I have said it before and I say it again: You have to visit Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund once im your football- life.
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🏳️🌈 🇳🇴 💛💙 (@JanAageFjortoft) May 1, 2022
81 365 fans last night. The Yellow Wall and general great atmosphere @ViaplayFotball pic.twitter.com/qHcIDYRYJz
Stadio Olimpico – Roma & Lazio
Rome, Italy
Things to do in the city:
Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, Vatican City, Circus Maximus
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£80-£200
Accommodation cost:
£30-£110 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£25-£225
Stadium capacity:
72,698
Standout feature:
Iconic history (in and out of the stadium)
With two powerhouses of the European game calling it home, the Stadio Olimpico is hard to overlook. Those wanting to enjoy a trip to an AS Roma or S.S. Lazio game can rest assured that at least one of the famous clubs will be playing on any given regular-season weekend – with a solid chance of some sort of midweek European football too.
While neither club has quite reached the heights of Juventus, Internazionale or AC Milan, the teams from the Italian capital have doggedly hung in as permanent guests at the footballing feasts of UEFA’s top competitions. It’s almost unheard of for both to miss out on a top six spot, and neither are particularly likely to find themselves relegated to Serie B any time soon. That, coupled with a stadium which is itself often overlooked but equally iconic, makes them must-sees at some point in your footballing journey.
And, putting the beautiful game aside for a second, it’s hard to imagine anywhere more breathtaking to visit before or after the match. Rome hosts ancient wonders which leave the beholder breathless. And we’re not just talking about Francesco Totti’s flowing locks.
What the fans say:
“Cracking stadium and the history around it makes it even more interesting. Fairly straightforward to get into. Once through turnstiles it’s easy to get to your seat and there are heaps of bars etc and the queues weren’t too bad. Was there for the Roma Genoa game and was very impressed with the atmosphere.” – Willy, Mallaig
“Punching my bucket list of visiting as many soccer stadiums around the world. 2nd time here after 2004 watching AS Roma. This time I came to enjoy Lazio playing and watch the atmosphere and the cheering. Even with 2/3 full, it feels like 100k ppl there. Much better than watching any basketball or baseball.” – Sarmad, Michigan
🇮🇹 Doing some scouting at the Rome Derby (Derby Della Capital!) at the Stadio Olimpico.
— The Celtic Exchange (@CeltExchange) March 19, 2023
Proper crazy atmosphere! Fulla maniacs! pic.twitter.com/z1GwMDZWYG
Parken Stadium – FC Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Things to do in the city:
Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Botanical Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen Opera House, Nyhavn
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£30-£75
Accommodation cost:
£100-£275 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£15-£65
Stadium capacity:
38,065
Standout feature:
A Michelin-starred restaurant
Though perhaps not the first name which springs to mind when you picture elite European nights, FC Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium is nonetheless worth exploring for fans who want a taste of the more refined side of the game.
The utterly unique stadium has one of the most innovative designs when it comes to entry and exit (with accessibility requirements at the forefront of a lot of choices), while fans who fancy themselves something of a foodie can even tuck into a Michelin-starred restaurant inside the ground.
In terms of pedigree, the club has featured at some stage of at least one European competition every season for the past 22 years. They’re also the reigning Danish Superliga champions, and have won the league more times than anyone else (14).
What the fans say:
“Went to a soccer match last night. The stadium is easy to get to by either public transportation, bike, or walking. Once you're there, there's plenty of food options either on site or nearby. We got there an hour early after some of our experiences in other places. It wasn't needed here. There are so many entrances to the stadium it took no time at all to get in. It's a beautiful stadium inside, too. What's nice is the slight overhang over the seats. There was a light rain last night but we never felt it and we were two rows back from the pitch. Getting out took 5 minutes. Great visit.” – Baldo, Copenhagen
“I have taken my son to the stadium and the match and the stadium have given us a unique experience. The fans are polite and orderly to make the day a memorable day.” – Alessandro, Budapest
FC Copenhagen fans decorate the stadium with our foils for tonight’s game v Randers.
— Supporters Art Uk (@UkSupporters) June 7, 2020
For information on our Tifo materials please email contact@supporters-uk.com pic.twitter.com/kFnNrB5WNq
The Santiago Bernabeu – Real Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Things to do in the city:
El Retiro Park, Royal Palace of Madrid, Temple of Debod, San Miguel Market, National Archaeological Museum, Palacio de Cristal, Cibeles Fountain
Average costs of travel from the UK:
£110-£175
Accommodation cost:
£40-£95 per night
Cost of a ticket:
£35-£150
Stadium capacity:
81,044
Standout feature:
The home of the greatest team in European club competition
It only feels right to book-end this list with two teams who are arguably the fiercest rivals in world football. Real Madrid have had the edge on Barcelona historically in Europe, and with five Champions League titles in the last nine seasons, that record looks set to continue.
You don’t have to watch or follow football to have heard of Los Blancos – which is what makes them an ever-popular tourist destination for travellers from around the world. With 14 European Cups to their name (double their closest rival, AC Milan), it’s hard to make an argument against visiting the legendary Santiago Bernabéu.
Home to former stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Raúl, Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane, and Iker Casillas, the Galacticos currently possess top tier talents like Luka Modrić, Karim Benzema, Thibaut Courtois, Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard. No matter where or when you visit Madrid, you’re going to see stars on show.
What the fans say:
“It's a spectacular place. Very big and beautiful. I have been lucky enough to watch matches from different parts of the field and I have to say that it looks spectacular from almost anywhere, even the 3rd row. As a tip if you want to go and see a game. Any of the goals are cheap areas from where you can see very well, better than it may seem.” – Tina, California
“We actually had the opportunity to attend a match while visiting Madrid so we did not take the stadium tour. The stadium is nothing short of breathtaking. It is very modern and extremely well organised considering the stadium holds approximately 80K people. If you are a soccer fan then attending a match in Europe must be on your bucket list and we are happy to say we were able to mark this one off our list!” – Apthome
Santiago Bernabéu’s atmosphere vs Man City (without commentary).
— TC (@totalcristiano) September 9, 2022
Goosebumps. pic.twitter.com/GsqfLke47R
Underrated football away days
We’ve hit a lot of the tried and true names of European football. But what about those hidden gems which so often go unnoticed? Whether lying in the shadow of a more dominant force, or tucked away in a corner of a country you wouldn’t think to visit, here are a handful of cities which don’t get the love they deserve.
Verona, Italy
Hellas Verona
While the club have experienced a tumultuous period of late, they shocked the world back in 1985, when winning Serie A as minnows during a golden period of Italian football.
Now something of a submarine club, bouncing up and down between the top two divisions, it’s still worth your time checking out a game. Verona is the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, while archaic Roman culture can still be found dotted throughout the city.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Hearts & Hibernian
Alright, technically it’s in the UK – but the Scots will probably be happy to be separated from their neighbours to the south. While Glasgow unquestionably hosts the more iconic clubs (in Rangers and Celtic), the city of Edinburgh makes for a more unique trip for fans of literary culture.
Seen by many as one of the nicest spots in the UK, the city has a storied history, with deep connections to the Wars of Scottish Independence. Edinburgh was also the university home of JK Rowling, and you’ll be able to spot subtle clues to characters from the Harry Potter series strewn throughout the area.
St. Pauli, Germany
FC St. Pauli
Truth be told, you’d be hard-pressed to see this iconic team in European competition. Now residing in the second division of German football, there’s little hope of them breaking into the elite any time soon.
That said, it’s well worth heading to St. Pauli for a domestic game if you’re ever in the district of Hamburg. Their Millerntor-Stadion stadium includes a miniature railway, which delivers food to fans in their seats. Yes, you read that correctly.
A statistical look at European football stadiums
The beautiful game is nothing without a decent stat. Whether it’s the growing obsession with Erling Haaland’s touch-to-goal ratio, or Neymar’s perfect record of always being injured or suspended on his sister’s birthday, footy fans can’t get enough.
As is only fitting for this guide, it’s time to look at what the numbers tell us about all things stadium-based. From maximum capacity to average footfall, or even just the cost of a ticket, here are some important numbers you might want to know.
As we’ve discussed, Barcelona’s Nou Camp is the largest stadium in Europe (and the third biggest in the entire world ). But where do the rest of the big names rank?
The Stadium Guide provide some clarity, with the figures showing the following grounds to be the ten largest on the continent:
Camp Nou, Barcelona
99,354
Wembley Stadium, England
90,000
Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund
81,359
The Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid
81,044
Luzhniki Stadium, Russia
81,006
San Siro, AC & Inter Milan
80,018
Old Trafford, Manchester United
75,811
Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich
75,000
Source: Stadium Guide
As anyone who watches football regularly can tell you, having a large stadium doesn’t necessarily mean you’re packing it out for every match. So do these figures translate over when it comes to average attendance?
The short answer is, largely, yes. The Nou Camp retains its crown as the top dog in the world of footballing arenas, with a whopping average of 84,576 people attending Champions League matches so far in the 2022-23 season.
Some of the other grounds which saw the most footfall included names like:
Signal Iduna Park
78,516
Allianz Arena
75,000
San Siro
70,318
Estadia da Luz
59,185
Civitas Metropolitano
58,797
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
57,378
That’s a lot of bums on seats – which helps line the pockets of the clubs in question. Ticket prices have been a much-debated subject in football for decades.
And while you might be forgiven for thinking the Premier League is the worst offender when it comes to expense, one study actually worked out that the most expensive seat averaged out at just under 140 Euros, in Serie A.
Despite that, the full figures revealed that the minimum an adult fan of English football could expect to pay was £33. This was significantly more than in France’s Ligue 1, where 14 Euros (£12.38) was as little as some clubs were charging for admission.
When all’s said and done, football ticket prices appear to be continuously on the rise. Make sure to keep that factor in mind when deciding which ground to head to for a European away day.
The dos and don’ts of away day travels
While it’s probably not at the top of your priority list when travelling, it’s still important to approach a trip away with an element of caution. That doesn’t mean not having fun – more so making sure that you aren’t putting you or those around you in a potentially harmful position. Let’s chat about what you can do to be safe, responsible, and considerate as a visiting fan.
Responsible behaviour as a travelling fan
If a guest came to your house, insulted your family, trashed your living room, then started a scrap with you as they left, you’d probably be a little ticked off. It might not be quite the same, but, when you visit another team’s stadium or city, there are certain codes of conduct you need to follow – both for their sake and yours. Make sure to keep the following in mind.
Don’t escalate confrontations
Sometimes away fans can become the victim of a provocation through no fault of their own. If you spot any rumblings of a potential fight, do your best to remove yourself and those with you from the situation. Don’t engage or get involved with any kind of behaviour which could lead to a violent incident.
Clean up after yourself
Japanese fans have become famed for the respectful way in which they clean up stadiums after a game. While nobody expects you to painstakingly pick over every piece of loose rubbish, do try to at least have the common courtesy to pick up after yourself.
Keep banter tasteful
It’s fine to joke around with fans of the opposing team. Make sure to read the situation, and keep what you’re saying in good taste. Ideally the jokes should stick to the core topic at hand – the football. Also be sure not to get drawn into any discriminatory chanting. This could see you removed from the stadium, or worse still, return home with a criminal record.
Safety tips and advice
Being an away fan in a major city can sometimes paint a target on your back. That’s true whether you’re actively looking for trouble, or happily minding your own business. While it’s impossible to guarantee you won’t find yourself in hot water with a local, there are steps you can take to greatly reduce the chances of it happening.
Look for stewards
Though they may not be the police, stewards exist to help separate and deescalate dangerous situations. They can point you in the right direction if you’re worried about a situation kicking off.
Have an exit plan
For the particularly safety-conscious, think about identifying the quickest way you can leave the stadium at the first signs of trouble. The same is true if you’re walking down a busy street and see an approaching mob of opposition supporters. While these incidents are rare, they’re not unheard of.
Stay hydrated
It might not be at the top of your priority list, but remember to keep your hydration levels topped up. This is particularly important in hot countries like Spain, Portugal, or Turkey.
Educate yourself on the area
Before you head away, make sure to understand where the hardcore fans call home on matchday – and avoid it. While again you aren’t guaranteed to get into trouble if you head there, it’s not worth tempting the home team’s most passionate fans. Plan your route to the stadium to avoid walking past it. Most travelling fan bases will also have access to their own designated pubs or areas of congregation for away trips – stick to these for your own safety, and enjoyment.
How to offset your carbon footprint when travelling to Europe
For the eco-conscious amongst us, there’s an increasing sense of guilt attached to long-distance travel. If you’re worried about the impact your trip is having on the environment, make sure to offset what you’re doing by practising good green travelling standards.
Don’t fly (or take direct routes if you do)
For games in countries which you can reach by land, think about travelling there by train or car. Europe has a particularly good internal rail and transit system, which makes it possible to avoid flying if you’re conscious of CO2 emissions.
Consider camping out
If the weather suits, camping out under the stars could be the perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint. This will cut down on any emissions which might be byproducts of a hotel stay.
Travel as light as you can
Being concise with what you’re packing will reduce the weight and, as such, impact of your emissions. Think about what clothes you actually need, rather than stuffing your suitcase full. It might only make a small difference, but every little helps.
Walk or cycle around the city
When you’re off seeing the local area, try to get about without using vehicles. Walk to destinations, or cycle there if you’re in an area which allows it. If you do need to get transport, make an effort to take as few trips as possible, and have everyone go together in one vehicle.
Useful links & Resources
Make sure to check out these handy secondary sources if you’d like to learn more about the best footballing away days and general travel opportunities Europe has to offer.
Emergencies: single EU emergency number
Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK
Document LIST fOR UK Football Fans Travelling to Spain for UEFA Champions League
Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds ‘Green Guide’